Marking a decade of quietly redefining South African hospitality, The Living Journey Collection celebrates its tenth anniversary with the acquisition of Majeka House, a landmark boutique Winelands hotel in Stellenbosch.
The small luxury hotel portfolio of 8 properties, all within a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, offer an experience rooted in genuine care, considered design, and a deep connection to the local environment. Founded by international hoteliers Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer, a couple whose combined decades of experience garnered at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels inspired them to return to the true heart of hospitality, The Living Journey Collection focuses on personalised service, attention to detail, and creating meaningful memories for every guest.
Lorraine and Friedrich met in New York in the late 1980s while working in the Big Apple – Friedrich originally at The Westbury and Lorraine at Plaza Athénée in their respective early career chapters. After years of career success, the couple decided to build a collection of properties that embody their shared belief that hospitality is at its core about connecting with people, embracing local culture, and delivering consistent excellence without losing the personal touch. Their approach emphasises strong ethics, professionalism and heartfelt service, making each hotel feel warm, inviting and authentically local.
The Living Journey Collection employs a dedicated team of approximately 170 people, with a strong emphasis on a healthy staff development and career growth, about one-third of the team has been promoted internally, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent. Sustainability and responsible business practices are also central to the group’s philosophy, from supporting local artists and craftspeople in each property’s design, to implementing environmentally responsible operations. This investment in people and place ensures the hotels not only offer outstanding guest experiences but also contribute positively to their communities.
“We aim for all of our guests to experience a sense of joy, having been spoilt and well looked after; that they have shared in something special and gained extraordinary memories to share with others. Our team members are truly passionate and heartfelt; and we encourage this to be part of all that they do. This creates memories bigger than the journey itself”, comments Friedrich Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.
The Living Journey Collection consists of eight distinctive hotels, each offering its own character and charm, yet all reflecting the group’s commitment to quality, comfort, and genuine hospitality. Guests enjoy stays that combine style and warmth, offering experiences that rival the finest accommodations, without the rigidity of traditional ratings. All properties serve excellent breakfasts and light menus throughout the day, encouraging guests to explore the many world-class dining options available in the towns and communities where they are located.
The properties are:
- Zest Boutique Hotel and The Tree House Boutique Hotel, Green Point, Cape Town
- One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, Hermanus
- Chapter House Boutique Hotel and Plumwood Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
- The Robertson Small Hotel, Robertson
- River Manor Boutique Hotel and Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
- Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
“We feel that each stay, each experience, each interaction forms part of a journey. We want our guests to feel part of our journey and hope that we form part of theirs”, comments Lorraine Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.
As custodians of The Living Journey Collection, Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer’s shared vision has crafted an ensemble of family-owned independent hotels that each tell their own story, corralled by a golden thread of a highly motivated team who deliver consistently warm and attentive service.
Whether discovering Cape Town, the Cape Winelands or the Overberg region, guests of The Living Journey Collection can expect stays that feel special, welcoming and richly rewarding. Indeed, an authentically South African journey worth living.
The Living Journey Collection is offering an Early Bird Festive Save of 20% off your stay between 1-19 December 2025 and bookable by October 31st throughout the eight properties – making for a great escape ahead of the holiday rush. Accommodation includes breakfast.
